A Message from Mr Carson
There are themes to the highlights in The Rewind for the past half-term. Naturally, there are highlights from the recent concerts and nativities, plus the Senior/Sixth production of Hamlet. Two other areas you may be interested in exploring further include the series of features on some of the links between Merchant Taylor’s boys and our girls. I know that both sets of pupils have been greatly enjoying this developing area of school life, and you can see the pleasure in the students’ faces in these photographs. You can also get a chance to find out more about our boarding community and the new Housemistresses for Connaught and Zetland.
There are features from Ruspini through to Senior, and I know there are parents who appreciate looking through a window into areas of the school they know less well.
I hope that your daughters are resting now that the term has ended. Of course, there are some off skiing in Austria on our annual trip as I type, and there are others who will be revising for GCSE and A-level mock examinations in January - little and often is the best approach for most students, and of course everybody deserves some days off for Christmas. I wish all RMS students, staff, and families a very Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2026.
All the best,
Kevin Carson
Christmas Highlights
Nine Lessons and Carols
We enjoyed a beautiful evening at the Nine Lessons and Carols on Monday, 15th December, bringing the RMS community together under candlelight. Thank you to our talented choirs, readers & all involved in making it a special evening.
Scroll down to look through some photos from the evening.
Cadogan Nativity
Our Cadogan House Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 pupils performed their Twinkly Nativity earlier this term. They showcased their amazing work for the older pupils, followed by performances for parents. Well done, everyone!
Scroll down to look through some photos from the performances.
Hamlet
This term saw our Senior School pupils put on a stellar production of Hamlet. Forget what you might usually expect from a Shakespeare play - the Drama department pulled together an incredible, modern, dystopian version of the classic tale, and our pupils delivered four excellent evenings to a mixture of students, friends and family.
Building Connections
A PHAB Day Out!
Earlier this term, RMS students joined forces with Merchant Taylors’ School to complete a challenging 26-mile charity walk, starting from the Aquadrome in Rickmansworth and finishing in central London. The walk was successfully completed in just under 10 hours and has raised funds for PHAB, a charity dedicated to supporting young people with disabilities.
The students’ mental fortitude and unwavering resilience were the biggest takeaway from the day.
“I was most impressed by their upbeat attitude and mental fortitude. Most people wouldn’t entertain the idea of getting up early on a cold, November, Sunday morning to walk 26+ miles into London, but that did not faze RMS or Merchant Taylors’ students (or staff!). Such a challenge requires more than mere enthusiasm; it requires genuine grit!” – Mrs Eccles, RMS Teacher
This resilience was most tested in the final miles. RMS’ Head of Charities, Abi (Year 13), noted how the joint effort made the task manageable, keeping spirits high even when the pain set in.
“It was nice to be able to talk to the students from Merchant Taylors… Talking about many different things and finding games to play as we walked along meant the walk went much faster, and helped.” – Abi
The students’ participation is part of a wider, ongoing commitment to PHAB, which includes attending a regular club at Merchant Taylors to help run their crucial week-long camp each Easter. You can find out more information about PHAB here.
Well done to everyone involved – a fantastic achievement!
Remembrance Sunday
On Sunday, 9th November 2025, RMS for Girls gathered as a community of pupils, parents, teachers, and alumnae to hold a Service of Remembrance in the School’s Great Hall.
Boarding Spotlight
Introducing Miss Stephens
A Housemistress’s Introduction: A Commitment to Zetland
In September this year, I took on the role of Housemistress for Zetland, and I would like to assure you of my absolute commitment to the welfare and development of every girl in the House. It is a significant professional responsibility, and one I approach with dedication.
My professional focus has always been in pastoral care and education. I believe in cultivating an environment where young people are supported to achieve their best outcomes, both academically and personally. Joining RMS, with its strong emphasis on kindness, integrity, and responsibility, aligns precisely with these professional values.
Years 10 & 11: Focused Support
Zetland is home to our girls during the pivotal Years 10 and 11. These are crucial years where they balance their GCSE studies with the necessary task of growing in independence. My priority is to ensure Zetland remains a stable, supportive, and effective ‘home from home’—a base from which the girls can confidently navigate this period of development.
To the girls: Zetland is your community, and I am focused on maintaining a constructive and respectful atmosphere. We have excellent facilities, and I encourage you to make full use of our spaces, from the study areas to the common room and garden. As your Housemistress, I will ensure that the house structure is one of fairness and high standards, where you are fully supported to meet your commitments and pursue your interests.
A Partnership in Pastoral Care
To the parents: Please be assured that the welfare and safety of your daughters are my utmost priority. I am here to do my level best to ensure they receive the highest standard of pastoral care. Working alongside our dedicated resident team, I will provide the careful guidance and structure needed for the girls to develop resilience, strong character, and a sense of responsibility.
I look forward to establishing an effective working partnership with you. Open and honest communication is essential, and I am readily available to discuss any aspect of your daughter’s life and progress here at RMS.
I look forward to meeting you all soon.
Miss Stephens
Housemistress of Zetland
Introducing Miss Summers
Introducing Miss Summers
Hello! I am Miss Summers, and I am delighted to have joined the RMS family back in September as the Housemistress of Connaught House and a Teacher of Psychology and Sociology.
Before joining RMS, I spent time as a Housemistress and assistant housemistress at a boarding school in Gloucestershire, having previously been a boarding tutor at a school in Surrey, and so boarding has always felt like home to me.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy travelling and music both of which I was able to embrace on my recent trip around Texas! I live in Connaught with my Cocker Spaniel Aero, and we both agree that RMS offers the best grounds for a nice walk and fresh air.
The thing I am enjoying most about RMS is the genuine sense of community; everyone has been incredibly welcoming. It is a wonderful environment for the girls, and all of us who are lucky to live and work here. I am very much looking forward to seeing what the girls achieve this year!
Miss Summers
Housemistress of Connaught
Ruspini Highlights
Here are some snapshot highlights from this term in our Nursery School, Ruspini House.
STEM at RMS
Chemistry Competition Success
Massive congratulations to one of our student Chemistry teams, who recently competed in the Top of The Bench competition organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
The team placed 5th regionally, placing them firmly in the Top 10 nationally, scoring an impressive 36 out of 47!
The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Top of the Bench is a prestigious competition designed to inspire and challenge students aged 14 to 16 (Key Stages 3 and 4). For over 20 years, it has served as a primary way for schools to showcase their best young chemists through a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills.
Well done to Samantha, Tishe, Saskia, Smriti, Charlotte, Laya, Lottie & Amelia – an amazing achievement!
Next Edition of RMSTEM Available Now
We are delighted to present the third edition of RMSTEM, a magazine created entirely by our talented students.
Following the success of our previous issues, this edition features an exciting collection of articles that explore the rapidly evolving world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. From cutting-edge medical breakthroughs to the mysteries of the universe, this edition is a vibrant showcase of our students’ curiosity and passion for STEM.
RMS Alumnae Shine as Runners-Up in National Art Competition
RMS is proud to announce that three of our talented alumnae have been named Runners-Up in the recent 2025 Specialist Crafts Catalogue Competition. Their outstanding artwork has been selected for inclusion in the company’s 2025 catalogue and their online showcase.
#StirredByTheSunPod is Back!
The RMS Podcast Stirred By The Sun returns with new hosts and an exciting new array of voices and stories from our wonderful community.
For the first episode in this series, Head Pupils Aroush and Becca, alongside Headteacher Mr Carson, welcomed Miss Pickford, Head of Careers, to discuss the increasing trend of RMS students applying to and attending universities overseas, with a particular focus on the complex, rewarding application process for US institutions.
